The softball tournament is an annual fundraising event of the Linda L. Vladyka Breast Wellness Foundation for local and regional breast cancer services. It was started by the president of the foundation, Kris Knox, after her mother’s fight with breast cancer ended in 2002. Each of the 500 softballs donated by WSC will be re-sold for $5. Every ball that is put into play is dedicated to someone who has battled breast cancer, and breast cancer survivors are invited to throw the first pitch of each game.

“We are pleased to be able to help make the Play for a Cure softball tournament such a huge success,” says Marilyn Daberkow, RN, administrator at WSC. “An important part of the WSC philosophy is to give back to the community, and worthy events like this help us live up to this goal.”

During the tournament, about 40 adult amateur teams from all over the northwest will play for fun and to honor breast cancer victims and survivors. Games will kick off on Friday, Aug. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. The tournament continues Saturday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Aug. 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A total of 90 to 93 games will be played throughout the weekend. The tournament will also feature a survivor ceremony at noon on Saturday to honor breast cancer survivors. Proceeds from the tournament benefit women who cannot afford cancer treatment.

Willamette Surgery Center actively volunteers in many other charity events, including other cancer fund raisers, children’s book fairs, the Willamette Valley Humane Society events, food drives for military families and helping the medically uninsured through Project Access NOW, to name just a few of their on-going efforts to give back to the community. For more information, visit http://www.willamettesurgerycenter.com/about/about.html or call (503)365-3965.

About Willamette Surgery Center
Located at 1445 State Street, Salem, Ore., Willamette Surgery Center is a technologically advanced outpatient surgery center, with a mission to provide the highest quality patient services through heartfelt, professional care. Surgical specialties include diagnostic and restorative surgery in orthopedics, neurosurgery, endoscopy, general surgery, pain management, plastic surgery, and podiatry. The center's hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Willamette Surgery Center is licensed by the state of Oregon, certified by Medicare and Medicaid and accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.